Bushmaster closing facility in Windham

WINDHAM, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Congresswoman Chellie Pingree's office says a firearm manufacturing company is shutting down its operations in Windham next year.

Bushmaster Firearms International, which employs 73 people, will be closing its doors on March 31. The company is owned by Freedom Group.

Pingree said, "The workers of that company have earned an international reputation for the quality of their work and have made important contributions to Maine's tradition of fine craftsmanship. It's very disappointing to see them cut out of the respected brand they have worked so hard to build over the years."

According to its website, Freedom Group has more than 3,000 employees at 14 locations nationwide. The company also owns other firearm manufacturers, including Remington, Parker and Marlin.